NextGen Climate
Tom Steyer's climate-focused political group, founded in 2013, now called NextGen America.
NextGen Climate, Tom Steyer's political group, spent slightly more than $19m on the 2014 Senate races and lost in Iowa and Colorado. That record is the standard reply to fears that one donor's money settles races, raised again over Elon Musk's 2026 giving.
Last refreshed: 18 October 2026
Timeline for NextGen Climate
Mentioned in: Texas PAC's only donor got Musk's sums
US Midterms 2026Background
NextGen Climate is the political operation Tom Steyer built around climate, and its 2014 campaign is the usual evidence that one donor's money does not decide Senate races. The comparison in 2026 is with Elon Musk, who gave the Senate Leadership Fund $158m in two September gifts.
Steyer founded the group in 2013. It is now called NextGen America and works as a 501(c)(4), with a Super PAC, NextGen Climate Action Committee. Steyer stepped down as president when he ran for president in 2019.
In 2014 its Super PAC spent slightly more than $19m in the 11 most competitive Senate races. Its chosen Senate candidates lost in Iowa and Colorado.
Who founded NextGen Climate?
Did NextGen Climate win its 2014 Senate races?
Is NextGen Climate the same as NextGen America?
Written with AI from Lowdown's published reporting. Not individually reviewed by an editor. Updated 18 October 2026. Editorial standards.